I used AG Re:coil for the first time today, and my hair is a disgusting, clumpy (not in a good way), stiff, crunchy mess. I'm guessing I used way too much. I used the same amount I would with a leave-in conditioner. How much should I use? Do I need to put something over it or under it? Any Re:coil lovers who have tips? Thanks!

It did the same to my hair, but it also has protein in it as well as magnesium sulfate; not all hair types/properties can handle that. If your hair does not like those ingredients, you can try some Epsom salt with either your cowash (if you cowash) or RO, just mix a tablespoon in - makes a great scalp massage if used with low-poo or cowash, and softens, curls, and volumizes hair if put in the RO, I have discovered. You can talk also to Jas who posts here - if you look in the general discussions forum, you will see her post on Epsom salt She was the one who got me onto it.

The other option that I know of (because I use it) is TiGi's Catwalk Curls Rock Curls Amplifying Creme. It works the same as AG:Recoil but it has no mag sulf or protein in it. Oh, and, yes, you may have been using too much - try fiddling with how much you use before jumping ship Less can be more, with these products! Hth.

That is very helpful, thank you! I'm definitely going to try it again with less. I'm still new enough to this process that I'm not sure what ingredients my hair is OK with and which it doesn't like. It's 3b, fine, low-density, but I can't figure out the porosity. So much more work to do.

It also has polyquats, which many curlies can't tolerate. I guess it's up to you if you want to try it...I have found a low-poo gets it easily out of the hair. Up to you! Also I clarify weekly with BS and ACV, to get rid of build-up. Hth

ETA: I put it in my hair while it is still fairly soaking (I use the Supersoaker method) and I use a hard hold gel over it (currently HETT) - let air dry, then SOTC. Perfect curls n' waves every time (for me)

That is very helpful, thank you! I'm definitely going to try it again with less. I'm still new enough to this process that I'm not sure what ingredients my hair is OK with and which it doesn't like. It's 3b, fine, low-density, but I can't figure out the porosity. So much more work to do.

Originally Posted by Calendula

You'll get there It tends to be a fairly personal journey, as every head of hair is different...you can certainly have your hair typed, it is definitely recommended... It's on my to-do list, lol! Check this out, if you haven't already! Live Curly Live Free - Curly Hair Basics

I believe AG: Recoil is CG. It has no silicones or sulfates. You need to use a teeny, tiny bit and plenty of conditioner underneath.

It's tricky.

I've read very good things about Tigi Curls Amplfier but it definitely is not CG - has cones. Sometimes I give in and use cones so I might try this at some point.

2/c and some 3A.
Protein sensitive but can use occasionally
Highly porous. Color over grey.
Best 1st day method: Super Soaker
Stylers: Mix Curls in a Bottle into everything for shine. Terrible pj
Sometimes try roller sets - classic glamor but I prefer my curls. Every day is a gift

3. Most people use a very small amount of ReCoil, like a pea-sized blob -- sounds like you used way too much.

4. I haven't had good results with ReCoil. I don't know if it's the mag sulfate or other ingredient or I just haven't found the right method for use. It works pretty well the first time I use it but after that, I get bad results. There are a lot of lengthy posts about using it with tips, so I hope you can find them with the search function. Good luck!

Just wanted to point out that the cones in Amplifier are cyclo-cones, which evaporate off of the hair during the drying process, so it can be used with co-washing. There are two Curl Chemist articles discussing this.

Just wanted to point out that the cones in Amplifier are cyclo-cones, which evaporate off of the hair during the drying process, so it can be used with co-washing. There are two Curl Chemist articles discussing this.

3. Most people use a very small amount of ReCoil, like a pea-sized blob -- sounds like you used way too much.

4. I haven't had good results with ReCoil. I don't know if it's the mag sulfate or other ingredient or I just haven't found the right method for use. It works pretty well the first time I use it but after that, I get bad results. There are a lot of lengthy posts about using it with tips, so I hope you can find them with the search function. Good luck!

Originally Posted by RozettaStone

Thanks for letting us know - and for correcting me! I did not realise that mag sulf and Epsom were the same. My bad Learning is good!

I had the same result with the Re:coil - first time rocked my world, and every time after that, poofy, ugly, yucky mess. No matter how little of it I applied. But I don't think it was the mag sulf that did that to me, because I use Epsom with no issues at all...so it must have been the protein.

I had the same issue when I tried Re:Coil. At first I thought it was the magnesium sulfate, but it's so far down the ingredient list, and I've used other products with this ingredient without the same feeling. Then I figured it must be the protein or the glycerin - but again, I use other products with protein and glycerin, so I'm not sure this is it. Granted, it could be the specific type of protein (I'll have to check my other products for keratin), or the amount. I'm beginning to suspect the polyquaterniums, but I'm also just wondering if it's not one ingredient alone, but the combination/specific formulation of this product that my hair just doesn't like. I'm going to experiment with some other stylers that contain polyquats to see if I can tolerate that ingredient or not. But I'm thinking that maybe the combination of glycerin, protein, mag. sulfate, and polyquats all together in one product is just not a winning product for me.

2c/3a, botticelli/wavy/'swavy (huh?)

fine, dense, normal porosity/elasticity, dry climate

My favorite brands are Kinky Curly, As I am, Curly Kinks, Curl Junkie, and Darcy's Botanicals. Also love sealing with oils (loving argan oil right now) and styling with jelly products (KCCC is my current favorite). Mostly trying to keep it simple!

I also had the same experience with recoil...the first use my hair was AMAZING...every time after...a total diaster.... I now have found a new love...I think my first HG product...
NEVER would have thought it so...bought it on a whim...the deva volumizing foam...it give me volume on my crown and dose help with frizz....can also apply it to 2nd day dry hair to reactivate curl and volume and adds no weight....i used it in FL and just flew to NYC this week..worked wonderfuly there too....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using CurlTalk App

I also had the same experience with recoil...the first use my hair was AMAZING...every time after...a total diaster.... I now have found a new love...I think my first HG product...
NEVER would have thought it so...bought it on a whim...the deva volumizing foam...it give me volume on my crown and dose help with frizz....can also apply it to 2nd day dry hair to reactivate curl and volume and adds no weight....i used it in FL and just flew to NYC this week..worked wonderfuly there too....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using CurlTalk App

Originally Posted by shellyRN07swavy

Shelly, your hair sounds EXACTLY like mine. I may just have to try the FFVF. It's on sale at Amazon today, so I'm having trouble resisting.

As to the original question, I too struggled with re:coil. At first I used way too much. You need very little, but I think it's just a tempermental product that does not work for everyone. I had to swap it away.

Update: The next time I tried Re:Coil I took everyone's advice and used a much smaller amount. The result was better, but not great.

Then I tried using a tiny, tiny amount and rubbing it between my palms until it turned white and creamy and applied it. It was OK, but it's still not my cup of tea. It may be something that just doesn't work on my hair, or I don't like the effect--it looks like there's product in my hair, which I don't like.